Ball game table



April 26, 1949. F T, HA| v 2,468,194

BALL GAME TABLE Filed vMay 28, 1946 Patented pr. 26, 1949 BALL GAME TABLE Frank T. Hall, Queens Village, N. Y.

Application May 28, 1946, Serial No. 672,854

1 Claim.

My invention relates to tables and more particularly to tables adapted to be used for the purpose of playing ball games thereon.

The object of my invention is to provide a table equipped with a retainer ledge arranged on and extending inwardly over the edges of the table.

A further object of my invention is to mark the retainer ledge in zones of foul and fair territory.

Other objects of my invention may appear in the following specification describing my invention with reference to the accompanying drawing illustrating a preferred embodiment of my invention.

It is, however, to be understood that my invention is not to be limited or restricted to the exact construction and combination of parts described in the specification and shown in the drawing, but that such changes and modifications can be made, which fall within the scope of the claim appended hereto.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a top plan View of a table for playing a game combining certain features of hockey and tennis thereon.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view of such table.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3--3 in Figure 2, and

Figure 4 shows a small hockey stick used in playing a game combining certain features of hockey and tennis.

Referring now in detail to the drawing a table I is used to play a game combining certain features of hockey and tennis. Preferably this table has a 60x4'0" top, but other sizes may be used. The table can be provided with folding legs or stationary ones. T-he table top l0 can be constructed so that it is adapted to be folded in sections, as long as the upper surface of the table top is smooth and even.

A retainer ledge I I is removably attached to the table top edges by means of clip fasteners I2, which are preferably made from spring metal.

The retainer ledge II has a wedge-shaped cross-section as clearly shown in Figure 3 and on its base side a plurality of elongated plate-like clips I2 are fastened and extend downwardly therefrom. In the lower end of each clip an open slot I3 is provided and a screw I4 in the edge of the table top I0 is adapted to be received in this slot and support the retainer ledge II at a distance above the table top I0, so that the sharp edge of said ledge overhangs the table top.

The table surface is marked off in zones, similar to a tennis court and the table top portions underneath the retainer ledge I I are divided in a plurality of zones, which are marked as fair and foul territory respectively, preferably by inscriptions on the retainer ledge I`I.

The game is played with a ball I5 made from any suitable material of low elasticity, so that the ball Will not bounce easily. The diameter of the ball is somewhat smaller than the distance between the table surface and the sharp edge of the wedge-shaped ledge Il. When the ball rolls under the ledge, the inward edge of the latter rises up, because the support clips I2 are made from spring metal. Then the spring clips urge the ledge back into normal position, whereby the ball I5 is trapped or retained under the ledge.

The ball I5 is moved over the table by being hit with small hockey sticks I5. The game can be played by two persons, similar to singles in tennis, or by four people, as doubles in tennis.

Any desired form of scoring may be used.

In playing the opponents have to prevent the ball from being trapped under the overhanging ledge. When-ever the ball is driven by a player past his opponent into fair territory a score is; made.

The overhanging ledge II is easily removable, so that the table can be used for other purposes.

Having described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

A game table having a playing bed with sides and ends, respectively, and comprising a retaining ledge extending marginally inwardly above said bed and continuous throughout its sides and ends, the ledge being undercut to effect outwardly beveled surfaces reversely disposed at opposite sides and ends respectively to each other for creating wedging gaps between said surfaces and the bed with direct communication to the latter, and means mounting the ledge on the bed at an elevation thereto and giving access to the gaps from without the margin of said bed.

FRANK T. HALL.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 302,196 Eulass July 15, 1884 1,190,891 Harbourt July 11, 1916 1,518,340 Marsh Dec. 9, 1924 2,418,514 Lamberson Apr. 8, 1947 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 21,594 Great Britain 1893 12,460 Great Britain 1902 21,075 Great Britain 1911 410,290 Great Britain May 17, 1934 416,377 Great Britain Sept. 10, 1934 143,819 Austria Dec. 10, 1935 

